WASHINGTON, DC, March 15, 2007 – Representing the general aviation
community at a forum hosted today by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO
Ed Bolen underscored the industry's long-standing commitment to aviation
system modernization, and touted the effectiveness of proven funding
streams.

A new FAA funding proposal pushed by the big airlines would abandon the
current, ultra-efficient funding system for one based on new user fees
and massive tax hikes. The proposal was introduced as part of the FAA's
"reauthorization," or funding, bill.

"Expanding aviation system capacity is absolutely essential for the
future, and the general aviation community has been leading that
effort," Bolen said. He cited several examples, including:

A significant investment by operators of business aircraft to
install advanced altimetry technology ("RVSM") that effectively doubled
the nation's en-route capacity.

The general aviation industry's push for an Alaskan project
demonstrating automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B)
technology. ADS-B is expected to be the cornerstone of the next
generation air traffic system.

Continuing investments in a broad range of communication,
navigation, and aircraft detection capabilities - including glass panel
cockpits, terrain avoidance technology and severe weather detection
equipment - all of which enhance both efficiency and safety of aviation
system use.

"Clearly, system transformation has been underway for some time," Bolen
continued. "Moreover, the current funding system will allow this
transformation not just to continue but to accelerate."

Last October, a representative from the Congressional Budget Office
appeared to agree, telling a House Subcommittee that the FAA will
continue to have sufficient funds to fully support a transition to the
Next Generation Air Traffic System.

"The big airlines' FAA proposal is not a modernization plan; rather it
is a ploy to reduce Congressional oversight and shift taxes," Bolen
stated. "We urge Congress to dismiss this scheme and get on with the
serious work of expanding our nation's air traffic capacity, so that it
can benefit all Americans and remain the world's largest, safest, and
most efficient."

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies
that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than
8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention,
the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.

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